QUETTA, Nov 29: The federal government has declared the Gwadar Deep Sea Port a tax-free zone for the next 20 years under the Gwadar Master Plan.

This was announced after a meeting between Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Mohammad Aslam Raisani and Federal Minister for Trade and Investment Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo in Gwadar on Saturday.

At the meeting, also attended by senior officials, issues relating to the development of the port and a new port city were discussed.It was decided that measures would be taken to foil the moves against the project and involve the local people in the development process.

Mr Wattoo informed the meeting that under the Gwadar Master Plan the port city and surrounding areas measuring 90,000 acres would be given tax-free status.

He said no tax would be imposed on construction material, construction work and construction items, adding that there would be no stamp duty in the area for 20 years.

He said efforts were being made to wipe out sense of deprivation among the local people and their involvement in the development process. He said the government was making all measures for the development of this area.

The government would import 3.7 million tons of cement and it would be brought through the Gwadar Port, the minister said, adding that cargo ships carrying wheat and fertilizer would also anchor at the Gwadar port.

Opinion

Editorial

Islamabad march
Updated 27 Nov, 2024

Islamabad march

WITH emotions running high, chaos closes in. As these words were being written, rumours and speculation were all...
Policing the internet
27 Nov, 2024

Policing the internet

IT is chilling to witness how Pakistan — a nation that embraced the freedoms of modern democracy, and the tech ...
Correcting sports priorities
27 Nov, 2024

Correcting sports priorities

IT has been a lingering battle that has cast a shadow over sports in Pakistan: who are the national sports...
Kurram ceasefire
Updated 26 Nov, 2024

Kurram ceasefire

DESPITE efforts by the KP government to bring about a ceasefire in Kurram tribal district, the bloodletting has...
Hollow victory
26 Nov, 2024

Hollow victory

THE conclusion of COP29 in Baku has left developing nations — struggling with the mounting costs of climate...
Infrastructure schemes
26 Nov, 2024

Infrastructure schemes

THE government’s decision to finance priority PSDP schemes on a three-year rolling basis is a significant step...